Gladiolus Carine - Sword Lily

Gladiolus 'Carine' is a compact variety of gladiolus, not exceeding 70 cm (28in) high. In late spring, the clump of long dark green leaves produces upright spikes carrying flower buds. These open into very beautiful cream-white flowers, adorned with a vibrant, rosy red marking, which gives them a special radiance. More hardy than the large classic hybrids, it can overwinter in the ground, under protective mulch. Its compactness eliminates the need for staking and allows it to be easily integrated into a mixed border, or even grown in a pot.

The Gladiolus genus belongs to the Iridaceae family, which mainly includes herbaceous plants. Many genera are prized for ornamental purposes, some are well-known, such as Crocuses or the large group of Irises and others are more obscure but equally captivating, such as Tigridia. There are more than 260 species of Gladiolus, with cultivated varieties being hybrids divided into three major groups: Grandiflorus (large-flowered), Primulinus (early-flowering), and Nanus (butterfly). Historically, the first hybrid created was Gladiolus x colvillei, obtained in England in 1823. It is a cross between Gladiolus cardinalis from South Africa, which grows on moist cliffs and along waterfalls, and G. tristis, from the same origin and with a lower habit.
Carine is a Dutch selection, obtained by the Van Winsen family in Warmond (north of The Hague). This Gladiolus from the dwarf group reaches only 70 cm (28in) high when flowering, with the clump of leaves measuring approximately 20 cm (8in) wide. The long and pointed, dark green leaves have a sword-like shape, which gives the plant its scientific name (in Latin, gladiolus actually means little sword). This foliage provides a perfect backdrop for the flowers, which contrast well against the dark leaves. Spikes for in late spring, each carrying 6 to 10 star-shaped flowers, 6 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) in diameter. The flowers are composed of three petals and three sepals that resemble each other so much that they are grouped together under the common name of tepals. They are a beautiful cream-white colour, and the lower tepals are adorned with a central spot whose colour ranges from fuchsia pink to carmine red. The flowers bloom in June and July, from the bottom of the spikes upwards. The storage organ is a corm, which is a swollen stem with scales. Each corm will produce 2 or 3 flower stalks. Plant them at intervals of two weeks from early spring to the end of June to have flowers in the house and garden all summer long.

The Carine gladiolus will even appeal to those who are resistant to the large classic hybrids, which may be criticised for their stiff and artificial appearance. This compact variety makes beautiful flowering pots for the terrace, while in the garden, it will be easy to combine with other ornamental plants, perennials, bulbs, and bushes, in a varied and sunny border. You can create a beautiful composition by growing it with the Moss Rose (Rosa centifolia Muscosa), which gets its name from the protrusions resembling moss that cover the branches and buds. Its delicately scented pink flowers have the incomparable charm of old roses and will create a romantic atmosphere alongside the Carine gladiolus. A carpet of Prunella webbiana Rosea will dress the edge of your border, and this low-growing perennial will reward you with its pink blooms throughout the summer. To extend the flowering season, consider Indian Lilacs, such as Lagerstroemia indica Houston with its compact and weeping habit, which from July to October produces dark pink, romantic flowers.